Why do I really need to floss?

by Sherri
(Florida, USA)

I hate to floss! What does it really do for me? Every six months when I see my hygienist, she scolds me for not flossing.

I always resolve to do better next time and for the first couple of weeks I floss like a maniac. Then suddenly I'm 'too tired' and only floss once a week.

Then I stop completely.

I may be more motivated to make it part of my routine if I knew why I really need to floss.

Also...

Is there anything that works as well as dental floss for cleaning between your teeth? Flossing has never been easy for me and I hate how messy and awkward it is to have my hands in my mouth.

Any suggestions?

So, my question is: Why do I really need to floss?

Sherri